Question 1

What does the program consist of?

Accepted Answer

The program consists of professional development/networking/travel opportunities to attend the 2025 and 2026 Black Men's Brain Health (BMBH) Conferences.

Question 2

How long does the Emerging Scholars Program last?

Accepted Answer

15 months.

Question 3

What’s the time commitment look like in being an Emerging Scholar?

Accepted Answer

In this 15-month program, you will attend two BMBH Conferences (one in 2025 and the other in 2026) which span about 3-4 days. Scholars are expected to attend quarterly, virtual development workshops held by our leadership with guest speakers across disciplines (usually lasting 2 hours in length). All scholars are expected to meet with their BMBH mentor monthly. Dates and times for development workshops are to be determined.

Question 4

How long are career development and webinars?

Accepted Answer

Webinars last approximately 90 minutes long. You will be expected to attend 4 - 6 annually.

Question 5

What are the benefits to being part of the ESP Cohort?

Accepted Answer

- Paid traveling and lodging to attend 2 BMBH Conferences during Super Bowl week (2025 and 2026).
- Attend 2025 & 2026 Pre-Conference Events exclusively for Scholars.
- Appointed faculty mentor.
- $350 stipend per conference.
- $2,000 Microgrant.

Question 6

In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit from joining the ESP Program?

Accepted Answer

Our program has a vast array of perspectives across many different disciplines that all have a personal intersection of brain health. Our impressive selection of candidates have such diverse professional backgrounds that open up dialogue and challenge each individual in their unique ways.

Question 7

How can a scholar attend the BMBH conferences during their time in the program?

Accepted Answer

For each BMBH conference, scholars receive hotel lodging, travel (flight arrangements), and a $350.00 stipend.

Question 8

What does the Pre-Conference event at the BMBH Conference entail?

Accepted Answer

This event is exclusively attended by BMBH leadership, ESP Directors along with present and past Cohorts. This is one of the many opportunities that we provide an intentional space to get to know one another, open up about your professional interests and experiences and network with everyone involved in our BMBH Initiative family.

Question 9

Why does the conference occur during Super Bowl week? And to what extent does the program interact with the Super Bowl?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Turner, as a former NFL athlete, has an existing relationship with the NFL Alumni Association which serves as one of the partners for our Conference. With their relationship we are able to collaborate with them and bring professionals and former athletes to our conference for discussion and workshops. We hold our Conference during Super Bowl week in the city of the corresponding Super Bowl for one reason: it’s our strategy to be surround by our target population of men! We have no formal participation in any Super Bowl related activities nor do we provide perks to such events - our programming at the BMBH Conference concludes prior to the Super Bowl.

Question 10

Is there a monetary award scholars will receive?

Accepted Answer

Scholars receive a $2,000.00 research microgrant

Question 11

What does the Local Partnership aspect of this program entail?

Accepted Answer

This portion of our program is a key way to begin building professional partnerships if our Scholars have yet not done so. We meet our scholars at whatever levels they enter our program and provide guidance and mentorship on navigating partnership with Local Organizations. We give attention to building a foundational support level to position our Scholars to embark on next steps with organizations by the time they finish our program.

Question 12

Do we have to obtain our own mentor?

Accepted Answer

No! Our BMBH Leadership handles matching you to a mentor that not only reflects the Cohort, but your individual needs, interests and experiences. Once our Cohort has been selected, our leadership will work diligently to match you with our pool of excellent mentors.

Question 13

Is there opportunities to meet and network with previous Cohorts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The main opportunity is at the ESP Pre-Conference event where you will be able to not only meet your cohort but meet our exceptional Scholars from previous Cohorts. This opportunity has proved successful for our past Cohorts but if you all feel the need for more opportunities, the BMBH leadership will work to make that happen.

Question 14

What are you all looking for in the 600-word personal statement?

Accepted Answer

We want to see, you! Although you are encouraged to summarize your experiences briefly in this portion, we can hopefully make such connections with your CV. We encourage you to follow your gut in providing us insight to where you want your work to go next and how you believe being an Emerging Scholar will get you to such point.

Question 15

Are Staff Scientists eligible to apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

Question 16

Are there informational sessions that will occur before the deadline?

Accepted Answer

Yes! See the dates and link below:

1. Thursday, August 22nd at 12:00-12:30 pm EST
2. Wednesday, September 4th at 12:00-12:30 pm EST
3. Monday, September 16th at 6:30 pm-7:00 pm EST
 
Zoom Link: bit.ly/EmergingScholarInfo(https://bit.ly/EmergingScholarInfo)

Question 17

What if I have a question after the informational sessions occur?

Accepted Answer

More Questions? Please contact: Dr. Deborah Stroman (info@mensbrainhealth.org)(mailto:info@mensbrainhealth.org)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

View our LIVE Q&A Session!

Media